Five Recruits Sworn-in as Police Officers
May 8, 2020
Contact: Deputy Chief Michael Lemoine; 401-767-8865
mlemoine@woonsocketri.org
Five Recruits Sworn-in as Police Officers
Woonsocket, R.I.: Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt, Public Safety Director Eugene Jalette and Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III are pleased to announce the following officers have been officially sworn in as full-time police officers within the ranks of the Woonsocket Police Department: Jonathan Condon, Michael Frye, Hank Leitzke, Joshua Lindsey, and Christopher Waite.
During these unprecedented times amidst COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the officers graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy and later sworn-in without the usual pomp and circumstance. After graduating from the academy on April 24, 2020, the recruits spent a week completing in-service training at the department such as, firearms qualifications and reviewing Woonsocket Police rules, regulations and policies and procedures.
In the afternoon of Friday, May 1, 2020, Public Safety Director, Eugene Jalette, administered the oath of office to the new officers, socially distanced apart, as Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt and Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III looked on. Because of the Governor’s executive orders restricting gatherings, family and friends were not invited to observe the swearing-in or take part in the customary badge-pinning on the new officers.
Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt extended her well-wishes to each of the new officers and expressed her confidence that the officers will be of great service to the community.
“Congratulations to each of the five accomplished Woonsocket Police Department officers and their families,” said Mayor Baldelli-Hunt. “It is a distinct honor and privilege to count you among our City’s team of law enforcement officers.”
“On behalf of the City of Woonsocket, thank you for your dedication and devotion in protecting Woonsocket residents and the City overall,” stated Director of Public Safety Eugene Jalette.
Mayor Baldelli-Hunt, Director Jalette and Chief Oates are hopeful that as gathering restrictions ease, a formal swearing-in ceremony will take place during the summer months so that family, friends, officers, and the public can celebrate their accomplishments and welcome them to their public safety profession.
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